Leaning Tower of Pisa

The main attraction in Pisa is undoubtedly the Leaning Tower. It’s one of the icons of Pisa and indeed of all Italy, and without question one of the world’s most famous and visited monuments by tourists from across the globe, who never miss the opportunity to pose for photos in the most extravagant or curious positions.

The Tower is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located just a few metres away. We find ourselves in Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa’s most stunning monumental area, to the north of the historic centre; the tower reaches a height of approximately 56 metres and today leans at roughly 4 degrees from the vertical axis.

Construction of the Leaning Tower began in 1173, and almost immediately ground subsidence occurred, which led to work being suspended after just three storeys had been built. The site remained idle for approximately 100 years, resuming only in 1275. From its completion, which came nearly another century later in 1372, right up to the present day, the tower has been continuously undergoing restoration and conservation work, to prevent excessive tilting and to minimise the risk of collapse. The latest works were completed only in 2008, and from that date it’s estimated that the tilt should remain unchanged for at least another 300 years.

Visiting the Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower is open to visitors year-round. The visit involves climbing 251 steps, some of which are uneven and slippery, and is therefore not recommended for those with mobility issues or heart conditions. For safety reasons, children under 8 years old are not permitted entry.

It’s not possible to purchase a ticket for the tower alone; it must be bought in addition to a cathedral visit. Alternatively, you can purchase a combined ticket for a complete visit to Piazza dei Miracoli, including the tower, baptistry, camposanto, cathedral, Opera Museum and Sinopies Museum. The combined ticket is naturally considerably more expensive, but for those interested in visiting all the monuments it can be an excellent choice.

The Leaning Tower ticket is valid only for the time slot purchased, so you’ll need to choose your entry time in advance; for all other monuments, however, the ticket is valid for one year during opening hours. Entry is permitted until 30 minutes before closing time, which varies depending on the month.

The Bells of the Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower has 7 bells, which ring before masses and at noon, while originally each bell would sound at a particular time of day.

• Bell of the Assunta: the largest in the entire bell tower, with a mass of 2,600kg. It dates from 1654, when it was cast by Giovanni Pietro Orlandi.
• Bell of the Crucifix: originally cast in 1572 and then again in 1818, it has a mass of 1,850kg.
• Bell of San Ranieri: originally called the Bell of Justice, it was located in the building of the same name; it initially rang to mark the deaths of traitors, and was brought to the Leaning Tower in the 15th century.
• Bell from the Well: severely damaged by bombs during the Second World War, the original was moved to a museum, and a copy, made by the Marinelli foundry in Agnone, was put in its place.
• Pasquereccia Bell: takes its name because in past centuries it was customary for it to ring on Easter Day. It’s the oldest bell in the tower, dating back to 1262.
• Terza Bell: in past centuries it was the bell that rang at the third hour of the day, that is, nine in the morning. It’s a rather small bell, made in Alsace or Lorraine in 1473.
• Bell of the Vespruccio: the smallest of the 7, with a mass of just 120kg. It originally rang at the hour of vespers, that is, six in the evening.

Tickets and Guided Tours of the Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower can be visited entirely at your own pace – simply purchase an entrance ticket and explore at your leisure, whether it’s a single ticket, one combined with other attractions, or as part of a guided tour.

Skip-the-Line Ticket for the Leaning Tower

The most common ticket sold includes both entry to the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral. Since it’s one of Italy’s most visited attractions, it’s highly recommended to book tickets online before you travel.

Complete Piazza dei Miracoli Ticket

Alternatively, by spending just a little more, you can secure entry and visit all the monuments in the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Camposanto, Baptistry, Opera Museum and Sinopies Museum.

Ticket Plus Guided Tour

Naturally, you can arrange for a private guide to accompany you up the tower and explain the highlights of this incredible monument; you can also join a group tour that will take you to discover the treasures of Pisa, with the Tower of course at the top of the list.

There are also Pisa tours including a visit to the Leaning Tower departing from Florence; since the two cities are only an hour’s travel apart, this is the perfect day trip for those staying in Tuscany’s main city and wanting to see as much as possible.

The Leaning Tower by the Numbers

• 2 metres of elevation above sea level
• 58.36 metres of elevation above the foundation level, equivalent to 100 Pisan arms
• 55.86 metres of elevation on the lower side, 56.70 metres on the higher side
• 5.82 metres of height for each loggia
• 15.48 metres of external diameter at the base
• 14,453 tonnes of total weight
• 7 bells in total
• 296 steps up to the bell chamber
• 251 steps open to the public during visits